"There is no end to self-knowledge."

The Journey Continues – The Thinning of the Veil

The Wheel of the Year has turned once more. The Veil between the Worlds is at its thinnest now, making it easier for those we love who have crossed over to Summerland (Heaven, the Afterlife, etc.) to communicate with us – should they so desire.

That doesn’t mean this is the only time of the year they try to contact us. Heck no! As a former medium, and someone who is still aware of those “other-worldly” presences, I can tell you that if they have a message and they feel it needs to be delivered NOW, they will find a way! They will find someone more sensitive to their presence and leave the message with them, asking for it to be delivered. They will enter our dreams and let you know that you are not dreaming and give you the message. They can be very persistent!

Life after life, being somewhat similar to this life, only means you look for the simplest way to make your presence felt so that you can say what you came to say. Just like you would here. That’s why this time of the year the messaging from ‘the Great Beyond’ can sometimes become as busy as messaging on Facebook. It’s so much easier now to reach this realm from the other one.

Why is that? Some say it’s because of the waning of the Sun and the extended darkness that pervades the Earth at this time. We are now halfway between Autumn Equinox, when day and night are equal, and Winter Solstice/Yule when the longest night of the year occurs as the rebirth of the Sun takes place. Does that mean the Veil is only thinnest now in the Northern Hemisphere? And does the Southern Hemisphere experience it when we are celebrating Beltane? I don’t know.

There are those who have been writing for several years now about the Veil thinning in general and how the increase in psychic occurrences is proof of that. Perhaps it is we who are becoming more aware, more in tune with the subtler energies and are just noticing these activities more because of it. Having had these types of occurrences happen to me from about the age of 4, that’s hard for me to say.

Whatever the reason, historically, this is the time of the year recognized for increase activity from the spirit realms. Which leads me to something I’ve never been able to quite wrap my head around. Why are we so afraid of seeing spirits/ghosts? It especially becomes strange when that ghost is someone we love and miss. Were you afraid of them when they were in their earthly, physical form? No? Then why are you afraid of them now?

I believe, for some, it’s a reminder of our own physical mortality and that frightens us. This reality is all we know, all we remember. Anything else represents change and the unknown. We all know how much our egos resist both of those. For others, I think it’s programming. Yeah, I used that word again. It’s true though. We are taught, through stories and movies, to be afraid of things that “go bump in the night”. I’m sure there are cultures in the world who teach respect and acceptance of ghosts and spirits, but we are taught to be afraid. Granted, it’s all supposed to be in good fun, but children remember and wonder and cover their heads with their blankets when they sleep….just in case. Then those children grow up to be adults who still aren’t sure about ghosts and spirits.

I can only speak for the tradition of Wicca that I’ve practiced for decades, but on Hallowmas/Samhain night, we open a portal, in a consecrated mirror in our Circle, and invite those who have gone before us to join us, briefly, in ritual. Some might think us crazy for doing so, wondering if we realize we could be opening ourselves up to danger. We don’t see it that way. We don’t fear those we have known and still love and miss. We honor them on this night and welcome those who care to join us.

For those who aren’t Wiccan, you may find that there are noises and presences which you don’t usually feel. Don’t be frightened. It may be someone you miss who’s just come to say they’ve missed you too. Doors may open and close. Things, you know you placed in a particular spot, end up somewhere else entirely. You may even see forms or shadows out of the corner of your eye. Don’t turn your head! They’ll disappear. It’s just someone trying to let you know they’re there. Dreaming of dead loved ones? It’s probably not a dream. Pay attention for there may be something important that they want to say.

This is a truly wondrous time of the year! A chance to commune with the spirits of our loved ones and, because the Veil is so very thin, it’s also a very awesome time for any form of divination. The answers to questions come through easier and clearer. So, if you’ve been wanting some answers or some guidance, drag out your Tarot cards, runes, crystal ball or whatever you use. If you don’t do divination for yourself, contact a reliable reader and see what they can find out for you!

Oh, and as for that “goes bump in the night” thing…don’t worry or be afraid. It could be your spouse or kids tripping on the way to the bathroom or the refrigerator – or maybe the cat finally caught that pesky mouse! Ghost are usually much more coordinated than the living!